Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

This is a throwback to what some might call a purer kind of skateboarding game, the kind in which players simply skated about looking for ever more unlikely objects on which to pull off ever crazier tricks. Some may find it old-fashioned compared to modern and often much wilder, objective-driven skating games, but others will find its simplicity to be a charming and refreshing change of pace.

As in the original Tony Hawk games, the controls are wonderfully tight and responsive, rewarding players who take the time to learn and master all available moves. Slowly unlocking one environment at a time gives players time to appreciate the hidden nuances in each level. And the game's soundtrack -- heavy on old and new punk and hip-hop -- provides a perfect background to the experience. Its simpler, old-school vibe may not be to all gamers' tastes, but skaters looking for a faithful-in-spirit representation of their sport won't be disappointed.